The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reiterated the necessity of providing accurate information in securing clearance for minors traveling abroad (MTA) to avoid delays in their foreign travel.

Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the DSWD’s Statutory Programs under Operations Group said the agency follows a stringent process in its issuance of the travel clearance certificate to safeguard Filipino children from child trafficking and exploitation, especially those who are participating in short study grants and out-of-the-country competitions.

Asst. Secretary Colico responded to a question of a reporter during the agency’s Thursday Media Forum on April 24 regarding the case of teenage chess champion Ruelle Canino on the delay in the issuance of her travel clearance permit.

“Supposed to be po kasi ang companion na ilalagay nya sa kanyang application is yung kanyang coach pero ang nailagay nya kasi ay yung kanyang older na kapatid. So, ayun po, may hindi po tama sa impormasyon sa kanyang application kaya hindi po naka-proceed yung kanyang application pero natulungan naman po natin sila kasi nakahabol naman po sya, na-reschedule po yung kanyang flight at nakaalis na sya kahapon,” Asst. Secretary Colico told reporters at the Media Forum.

A travel clearance is issued by the DSWD for minors or individuals below 18 years old traveling outside the Philippines who are not accompanied by any of the parents or persons having parental responsibility or legal custody over the child.

The issuance of travel clearance for minors is also specified under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Philippine Passport Act of 1996.

Earlier this year, the DSWD streamlined the process of securing travel clearance through the MTA online system so that parents or guardians no longer need to physically visit the DSWD regional o